Clint Eastwood Endorses Same-Sex Marriage In California

The brief, which was filed by the American Foundation for Equal Rights, encourages Supreme Court Justices to reconsider California’s ban on same-sex marriage under Proposition 8. The brief cites freedom and equality as American values per “constitutional tradition.”

As posted on AFER.org, the brief argues that gay men and lesbians are born with and cannot change their sexual orientation. Therefore, the brief contends, they should not be banned from legally marrying “the person they love.”

The brief concludes, specifically mentioning rights guaranteed to American citizens:

“It denies gay men and lesbians their identity and their dignity … That outcome cannot be squared with the principle of equality and the unalienable right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness that is the bedrock promise of America from the Declaration of Independence to the Fourteenth Amendment, and the dream of all Americans.”

As reported by NBC, Clint Eastwood has endorsed same-sex marriage in California by adding his signature to the brief. Although the Oscar-winning director and actor is a long-time Republican, he has reportedly begun speaking out about his more liberal beliefs.

Today marks the deadline for filing briefs associated with the case. The Supreme Court will begin the hearings on March 26. Eastwood’s signature appears among more than 80 other Republicans including six former governors. The endorsements are somewhat surprising as Republicans have historically opposed same-sex marriage.

Although Clint Eastwood has endorsed same-sex marriage in California, neither he nor his representatives have issued a statement on the subject.